Chapter 348: She Can’t Marry the Imperial Uncle!
The Emperor almost exploded with rage upon hearing his words!
Did he not hear what he said? An imperial edict cannot be taken lightly. Since he decreed the betrothal, this matter is settled. Why is he causing a scene?
"Dismissed!" The Emperor’s expression was very unpleasant. What should have been a joyous birthday banquet had turned into such a troublesome affair!
The Crown Prince’s face was equally grim. Initially, when Father had not agreed to Prince An’s request, he felt relieved. After all, if He Yanxin were to marry Su Yu, then his position as Crown Prince would become even more meaningless. Prince An wields military power and the Southern Land is of utmost importance. If he joined forces with Su Yu, what role would remain for him, the Crown Prince, in Nanyao Country? It would be hugely disadvantageous to him!
But he never expected that while Father did not agree to Prince An, he turned around and bestowed a marriage between Su Yu and Han Jing. What game was this?
Indeed, both Su Yu and Su Yaogeng hold no real power, but their positions in the Capital City and in court are by no means insignificant. Especially since everyone knows that Duke Wei, Han Si Que, cannot let go of Su Yaogeng even now. If Su Yaogeng intended to rebel, recruiting Duke Wei and Su Xingqiao in addition to Su Yu’s financial resources, who would be their match?
Moreover, don’t think he doesn’t know; Su Yaogeng has always valued Su Xingqiao highly. This time, after Su Xingqiao returned to the Capital City, it was said he first went to the Princess Mansion! What does this so obviously indicate? It indicates that Su Yaogeng intends to ally with Su Yu to elevate Su Xingqiao to power!
They have clearly not considered him, the Crown Prince, at all!
And what is even more laughable is that such an absurd marriage arrangement was actually agreed to by Father, and they even want to announce the imperial decree nation-wide! Is this to let the entire world know that the Prince Yu of Nanyao Country is marrying his own niece? Father really isn’t afraid of the world laughing at him!
Or perhaps in Father’s heart, he has already planned to pass the throne to Su Xingqiao, otherwise, why would he summon Su Xingqiao back to the Capital City at this time, and why agree to such an absurd marriage?
Therefore, the Crown Prince also stood up: "Please, Father, reconsider. Although Imperial Uncle and my cousin are not related by blood, they are nominally uncle and niece. If such an absurd matter were to spread, wouldn’t it invite ridicule towards our Nanyao Country’s Imperial Family?"
The Crown Prince has been in court for many years and is well-rooted. As soon as he stood up, many ministers who follow him also stood up: "Please, Your Majesty, reconsider."
Prince An, having been refused, was also filled with anger at this moment and naturally wanted to interject: "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince and the gentlemen are right. If such an absurd matter were to spread, how would you have the world view our Nanyao Country?"
The Emperor felt utterly displeased. What does each one of them mean by this? All he did was decree a marriage, why are they making such a fuss? How does it concern them?
"Am I the Emperor, or are you the Emperor? It is my prerogative to decree a marriage between Prince Yu and Princess Chenyu. The decision is made, no further discussion!" The Emperor slammed his palm on the table with a "bang." What are they, rebelling?! Do they not consider him the Emperor anymore, threatening him collectively?!
Could it be that just decreeing a marriage affects the survival of the country?
The ministers hadn’t anticipated such a severe tantrum from the Emperor and were momentarily at a loss for words.
But just then, Su Xingyan suddenly shouted: "Han Jing is pregnant with my child; she cannot marry Imperial Uncle!"